Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in critical condition after on-field collapse
Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle in the first quarter of Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He was given CPR on the field and was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he is currently in critical condition.
The game was suspended in the first quarter and has not been resumed.
The NFL has released a statement saying that Hamlin is in critical condition and that the league is monitoring the situation closely.
Hamlin's family has released a statement thanking the medical staff for their care and asking for privacy at this time.
The Bills have released a statement saying that they are "praying for Damar and his family during this difficult time."
The Bengals have released a statement saying that they are "heartbroken for Damar and his family" and that they are "praying for his recovery."
The NFL Players Association has released a statement saying that it is "deeply concerned for Damar's health and well-being" and that it is "praying for his recovery."
The sports world has rallied around Hamlin, with many players, coaches, and teams expressing their support on social media.
Hamlin is a 24-year-old safety who is in his second season with the Bills. He is a native of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, and played college football at the University of Pittsburgh.
The NFL has a history of players suffering cardiac arrest on the field. In 2001, Minnesota Vikings running back Korey Stringer died of heatstroke-related cardiac arrest during a training camp practice.
In 2007, Indianapolis Colts linebacker David Thornton died of cardiac arrest during a game against the Denver Broncos.
In 2011, New York Jets defensive lineman Sione Pouha collapsed on the field during a game against the San Diego Chargers and was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia.
The NFL has since implemented a number of measures to prevent cardiac arrest on the field, including requiring all players to undergo a physical examination that includes a heart screening.